Spanning student, academic and institutional collaboration, the “unprecedented breadth and depth” of the Alliance was a key factor in its awards success, with judges declaring it an “outstanding model for global partnerships and the internationalisation of education”.

“The Monash Warwick Alliance has surmounted the challenges posed by geographic boundaries with determination and tenacity. Using innovative approaches such as online networking tool Piirus, the Alliance has encouraged collaboration, not only between universities, but also across diverse academic disciplines,” Professor Croft said.

Through initiatives including joint PhD and master’s programs, the International Conference of Undergraduate Research (ICUR), and undergraduate research journal Reinvention, the Alliance offers unique opportunities for all students. In 2016, over 1000 students have engaged in Alliance activities, with over 100 participating in student exchange.

The Monash Warwick Alliance is set to be renewed for a second five-year term in December 2016.

“Over the past five years the Monash Warwick Alliance has matured into a unique collaboration of remarkable depth and scope. The benefits this partnership has brought to education, research and engagement between our two universities have been truly invaluable,” Professor Gardner said.

So far, over 600 academics have been involved in 64 Alliance supported projects. Projects are diverse, and involve collaboration between academic disciplines and research areas. From polymer breakthroughs that could revolutionise manufacturing, to tissue engineering research that could change the lives of people worldwide, the Alliance supports an impressively diverse range of research.

Globally oriented, ambitious and dynamic, this enduring partnership will continue to deliver exceptional international education, research and commercial outcomes.